Writing A Family Covenant With God

6/9/2019

Back in 1977, Jack and I felt that the Lord was leading us to build a house in the country without going into debt. Instead, we were to look to Him continually to supply every need. This was a brand new adventure. I think our extended families thought we had lost our minds. But by the time the project was completed the experience had become such a training ground for us that the house itself had become like a fringe benefit.
Whether we’d built it or not, the truths we learned would have been worth all the work. Likewise with so many others we’ve talked to—we find that the things we experience can always be a training ground to grow spiritually, if we allow them to be. Only good gifts come from God, but He will take even the bad and turn it into good if we trust Him.

Starting with Covenant
When we began building the house, we wrote up a covenant in which we all agreed to seek God for what He wanted to do in that project. Remembering the four of us—Jack, Angelia, Bill, and I, sitting around our table in the old house in town, praying together and writing that covenant—brings back one of my most special memories. In fact, I still have that original covenant, decades later, framed and hanging on the wall as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Little did I know how significant that covenant was going to be.
As our project came to a close we knew exactly what God had meant when He said that the building of the house would be such a learning experience in trust that the house itself would be like a fringe benefit. Rather than serving a God who teaches His children obedience by sending tragedy, we serve an awesome God who loves to teach us His kind ways through His abundant blessings.
The diary I had been keeping became invaluable. I knew the time would come when I would have a hard time remembering—and even believing—some of these miracles, if they had not been recorded regularly as they happened. Each provision had been unique and so overwhelmingly amazing.

Our Covenant

Dear Heavenly Father,
On this day of November 30, 1976, we stand on the promises of Your word, and we commit to You our new home located on Your land to be used to glorify Your Son. We agree according to your Word (Phil 4:19) that You will give us exact instructions on a daily basis and that all the supplies, money, patience, and wisdom will be supplied on time from Your Holy Spirit. Free telephone installation and private line will be made available when needed. This Casa de Paz will have both happiness, joy, peace and blessings with total protection. (Psalm 91) Lord, we agree that You will be merciful and loving as You teach us to depend on You daily. There will be peace continually. We agree in the Name of Jesus that this home will be completed soon enough for the entire family to enjoy its benefits, and it will strengthen the love in our family. The workmen that you choose will be available as needed. All furnishings, material, and workmanship will be perfect, chosen by You and without blemish. The interior and exterior and landscaping will be beautifully coordinated by You with comfort and uniqueness showing forth Your glory.

We bind satan & any demonic spirits—especially discouragement, doubts, fear, confusion, and reasoning—from any interference or harassment. The house will be debt-free financially and from any other obligation, except love. Our home in Brownwood will be sold at the right price, to the right buyer and at the right time. All members of the family will be praising you for a perfect gift. Kingdom living will reign continually at this site, and total freedom will result for all concerned. All glory, honor, & praise be to the Lord.
Your Word says where two or more agree on anything in the Name of Jesus, it shall be done. Lord, we put You in remembrance of Your Word, and we call your attention, satan, to our agreement with our Father.

Amen & so let it be,

Jack, Peggy Joyce, Angelia, Bill